Lasham Gliding

At the time of writing Summer seems a long time coming this year. The Lasham Regionals in June were disrupted by poor weather, and so our pilots are now looking forward to ‘Lasham Glide’, which is the Pre-European Gliding Championship being held at Lasham from 30 July – 7 August. This championship will consist of the UK 15metre and Open Class Nationals, plus a special 18metre Class Regionals. Overseas pilots are welcome to enter and so we hope for high standards of flying and keen competition.

Why are these competitions so important? In the same way that Olympic athletes and others compete in various regional and national competitions to qualify for world class events, so do our glider pilots. Without these Regional and National competitions to hone their skills, our pilots would be at a serious disadvantage when going on to compete in European and World Championships, and with British pilots being some of the best in the world, constant practice is essential! If the weather is kind come along and watch the grid take off, have lunch, and then see the finishers racing in later in the afternoon.

In June, we also welcomed a new Manager at Lasham, Gavin Spinks. He joins us from the Army Air Corps so is already very much at home with all things aviation and we are sure he will settle in quickly. His predecessor, Werner Stroud, remains with us as a ‘mere’ member and will now have some time to enjoy flying!

Keep in touch with Lasham news via the website, or come and visit the Vintage Glider Museum where an enthusiastic guide will be happy to show you round. Remember, visitors and spectators are always welcome in the restaurant, bar and viewing area, you never know, you might even be tempted to an Air Experience flight too! Lasham Gliding: http://www.lashamgliding.com

Christine Bullimore

[Please note that this message is not posted on behalf of Bentworth Parish Council and does not necessarily reflect the Parish Council’s policy]